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Favorite XC/Eventing quotes

Hello folks,

I am doing an informational speech on eventing, and I need to include a quote (and the source).

I'm looking for a few lines that can describe the esscense of what it's like to ride XC to a non-horse person. Also, if you know any that describe eventing as a whole that would be helpful as well. Anyone have any favorites?

I know there are some great ones from the likes of Denny and Wofford, but I can't seem to find them. Thanks in advance!

I know you're looking for quotes, but how about a little story to start off your speech? Maybe something along the lines of:

Moments of pure adrenaline are heavily sought after. The sprinter as she crosses the finish line, the chef as she carefully garnishes her masterpiece, the musician as she lifts her bow off the last, resonating chord: each of these individuals has found adrenaline in different ways. My fix comes from eventing. Galloping out of the start box towards the first jump, watching your horse's ears prick forward as you hear his hooves pounding on the terrain, you find yourself a mixture of anticipation, anxiety, and hope. Hope that your horse will behave, hope that all your hard work will amount to something, hope that you're about to have the time of your life. You see the first jump looming ahead of you, its imposing size and stature making you uneasy for you know that one miscalculated step could be devastating to horse and rider. You push the worry out of your mind and with unwavering determination, ride your horse into the jump. It's only a matter of seconds before you feel him rise, his front legs bending to propel you both over this giant obstacle. Suddenly, the pounding of his hooves quiets, and you're in the air, suspended in an expressive silence. This is what you've been waiting for: a single moment of pure adrenaline.

Thanks Prince, that would be a great way to start off the speech! And it’s along the lines of what I am looking for in a quote (although a shorter version as my speech can only be 6min total). Unfortunately I have to verbally reference 4 sources. Do you think my instructor would count PrinceSheik of the coth forums as a reliable source?

So...Denny, on the off chance you see this post please describe what it's like to ride xc in no more than three eloquent and exciting sentences that a non-horse person will get. Ok, go!

Actually, we are allowed to use interviews as references, so anyone who has ridden at the Advanced level and will supply me w/ your real name feel free to have at it!

You might try finding a quote that is not eventing specific that gets across the feeling of riding XC but in terms other people can understand.

I like this quote from Steve Buscemi:

"When I was a fireman I was in a lot of burning buildings. It was a great job, the only job I ever had that compares with the thrill of acting. Before going into a fire, there's the same surge of adrenaline you get just before the camera rolls."

If people don't understand eventing then a quote about eventing is not going to help them.